I was sent home early from work on Friday due to the encroaching snowpocolypse, arriving back through the front door just as Nate was getting up for the day. We lazed the day away. I did laundry, played some video games and watched the snow gradually accumulate. By five it was coming down pretty strong (“down” might be the wrong adjective since it was snowing in about six different directions, including up). By seven, dinner was done but so was the power (and the heat!). Two hours later, however, it was back, much to Nate’s joy — he didn’t really know what to do with himself sans power or internet. Clearly I myself am not entertainment enough.

Saturday morning, calm and clear, was a dream. We stepped out into a world of beautiful white, the streets unplowed and unshoveled, the roads deserted.

I was too giddy to handle it. It was amazing.

(before)

(after)



One of the most wonderful things about the storm was the calm that descended in it’s wake. At ten in the morning, the transportation ban issued by the government was still in full effect, the few cars on the road had plows attached the front of them and drove slowly down the main street. The world was soft, quiet and peaceful. Although it was void of it’s typical hustle and bustle, the street wasn’t eery, but tranquil and content.

Wandering around, the few other people we passed waved or nodded or said “hi,” one kind woman even offered to take our picture. And although Nate will tell you that it’s blurry, I love it because it represents that small town sensation that invaded Providence for one snow filled morning. For those few hours, the world slowed and devolved to a time before cars and computers. It was just us and the snow, nothing more.

It was short-lived, but so beautiful.

Then on Sunday I went sledding. Oh, darling, sledding down a snowy hill is one of the great joys in life. There is really nothing like it.

Gripe all you want, but I wouldn’t trade my weekend with Nemo for anything in the world.

Now that I’ve gotten that out of my system, in case you didn’t know, the Ravens won the Super Bowl last night.  Mother’s is one of the more popular bars in Fed Hill and is a popular place to go for Ravens games.  Last night, the Baltimore Sun captured a ton of footage from the end of the Super Bowl and put it into a time-lapse video.  What you see is the area right outside of Mothers.  Most Friday and Saturday nights will produce a decent crowd but last night was awesome and this video shows why.  

Seemed like a good idea at the time.

WE DID IT! WE DID IT!

Horns honking, engines revving, and people taking over the streets –it was such a thrilling game.

And to have celebrated it with the rest of Ravens Nation, was freakin’ awesome.

Quite the sight. Quite the win. GO RAVENS.

Super Bowl XLVII CHAMPS.

It seems pretty obvious, right? The Ravens are in the Super Bowl, and Beyonce’s playing the half time show, so why not put on our black tights and mash those two taste treats together!

Okay, so the lip syncing is spotty (just like the real Beyonce!) and the choreography could have used more practice time, but it’s hard to pump out a song parody in less than two weeks, so give the ladies some props!

I also love that the girl on the far left didn’t get the e-mail and wore a sleeveless outfit.

Deb and I had known each other for two months when she asked me a serious question: “Do you really eat bread with every meal?”

The look of astonishment on my face hinted at the mix of cultures that our marriage would bring. “Of course,” I said. “Don’t you?”

Deb was raised in Canton, Connecticut, up in the hills northwest of Hartford. Lots of pine trees and farms and country roads. The nearest Italian bakery was forty-five minutes away.

I grew up in Providence. There were bakeries everywhere, and Italian bread was a staple at our supper table. When I learned the Our Father at catechism, give us this day our daily bread made total sense to me.

On Sunday afternoons, with her gravy simmering on the stove, my mother would ask me to run up to La Salle Bakery to grab a loaf of bread. “And don’t eat it all on the way back,” she’d say. As I walked the eight blocks home with the fresh loaf tucked under my arm, Pavlov’s Theory was proven once more. Salivating, I’d tear off the end of the bread and bite into its crust.

Up on Federal Hill, where I worked at my grandfather’s baby clothes store, my aunts would send me to Scialo’s for bread. Driving home from the Hill, I’d sometimes stop at Amore’s on Valley Street if we needed a loaf. And if I didn’t get to a bakery in time – bread sold out! – I’d head to a neighborhood market where I might find a loaf of Crugnale’s (perfect crust).

After college, I lived in a tenement near Holy Ghost Church on Federal Hill, right next door to a bakery. Each morning, I’d awake to the smell of bread baking in the ovens. Heaven.

When Deb took her first job out of college, she worked in East Hartford – in a building that was right next door to a Wonder Bread factory. (You can’t make this stuff up.)

It’s Sunday afternoon. My gravy’s simmering on the stove, but I need macaroni. I run to Dave’s Marketplace. As I deliberate over which pasta shape to buy, my phone buzzes in my pocket. It’s a text from Deb: Don’t forget the bread.

Amen.

Oat Free Oatmeal (OFO)

Ingredients for OFO:

Gluten-free, Paleo Friendly

• 1/2 apple (I suggest Pink Lady)
• 2-3 whole walnuts
• 1/8 cup dried cranberries
• cinnamon
• slice of butter

Minute 1: Wash, dice 1/2 Apple

Minute 2: Place diced apple, 2-3 whole shelled walnuts broken apart, dried cranberries, Cinnamon, and slice of butter in a microwave save bowl

Minute 3: Microwave bowl for 30 seconds, take out and stir, another 30 seconds.

Minute 4: Stir, and if butter not completely melted 30 more seconds.

Minute 5: Let cool for one minute, and enjoy!

I enjoyed this with the world’s best cup of coffee that Will made, a fried egg and 2 slices of bacon! YUM. Thank you to Trina for introducing me to microwaving apples and cinnamon!!

After this great feast, Will and I went down to Providence for the day, and to catch the Friars basketball game with a bunch of friends (WOOO GO FRIARS!). Including my old roomies and fellow Friar alums Athena and Bridget! They beat Villanova!!

All my friends!

We couldn’t make this trip without stopping at Geoff’s Superlative Sandwiches. I just love this place, not just for the extensive sandwich menu, but also for the barrel of FREE Pickles!

Pure joy!

After the big WIN, we went to dinner on Federal Hill and called it a night. There were talks of us being “spontaneous” and spending the entire night out in Providence like old times… But then we ate, and suffering from massive food comas we dragged ourselves back up to Boston.

Next time were in Providence, we’ll paint the town red.

- Until next time,

C

In short, it was a two-hour journey through the Roc’s epic discography set in a sea of local art and young cultural enthusiasts. The purpose of our JAM series (yes, there will be more) is to combine the worlds that we love in ways that we find stimulating and inspiring. For this JAM, it was acrylic paint and vinyl scratching. For this JAM, it meant ironically meeting with an art gallery and explaining that our music will not cause a riot. Roc-A-Fella has made a huge impact on me and getting to share that excitement with a room full of dope individuals makes the convincing, planning and prep all worth it.

Check out some of the dope shots taken by our friend Sam (@WhichSam) from Dream’s Café and Sorry4TheBlog. Also, I threw in some of my iPhoneography. And for your listening pleasure, DJ International Nasty’s (@wheresnasty) Sound Cloud player in below this post. Hear the JAMxROC set from that night.

Turn my music high, high, high…

+S   |  @saybz

Gina & Tommy engagement session

location:    Federal Hill    Baltimore, Maryland

photographers:    Borrowed Blue Photography

]]> http://davenielsonhomes.wordpress.com/2013/01/16/900-premium-location-heart-of-atwells-ave-on-federal-hill-2/ Wed, 16 Jan 2013 21:09:04 +0000 davenielsonhomes http://davenielsonhomes.wordpress.com/2013/01/16/900-premium-location-heart-of-atwells-ave-on-federal-hill-2/ This apartment is in one of the best locations in all of Providence, right in the heart of Atwells Ave on Federal Hill! Just steps from Andino’s, Venda Ravioli, Depasquale Square and more, this apartment is a great way to experience life on the hill!

The apartment is on the second floor and is carpeted throughout. The bedrooms are small but there is decent closet space. The kitchen has a separate pantry off to the side allowing for some additional space. This unit is in great shape and is ready to go immediately!

Call Dave 401.757.0263
Email DaveNielsonHomes@gmail.com

Sorry, no parking, no laundry, no pets

“I’ve been sewing 10 years now and have an innate ability to create,” Edwards said. I’ve been exclusively designing custom prom and wedding gowns for the past 5 years. [I] make 20 to 25 dresses each year in the prom season peak. Recently, I have begun to create higher-end custom clothing.”

With a fashion design background, Edwards always had a strong connection with apparel.  When it came to her personal style, she longed for treasures from her mother’s closet.

“I fell in love with vintage in my early 20′s when I realized the quality was unmatched,” Edwards said. The fit of the vintage trench coats and jackets simply couldn’t be duplicated. I loved wearing pieces I was sure no one else would have.”

Being a true lover of vintage, she has created a boutique where women can buy and exchange clothing as well as accessories. You can find brands like Louis Vuitton, Michael Kors and J. Crew at this Federal Hill vintage shop. Also, you can buy her original designs. 

“Each piece in Betty is selected by me,” Edwards said. My background in fashion enables me to make necessary repairs in any item prior to its being placed for sale. I take pride in making sure each pre-owned item is professionally cleaned and inspected for damage before being sold at Betty. Betty is unique because she doesn’t sell any junk.”

At Bmore Betty, you can find a vintage brooch or an authentic Gucci Bag. However, you can sell your vintage treasures, too.

“Unlike consignment shops, there is no wait when selling,” Edwards said. Betty pays cash for your clothing up front or offers 25 percent more in Betty Bucks [store credit].”

Edwards is happy to provide a new shopping oasis for the fashionistas of Baltimore.

“Charm city earns its name well,” Edwards said. The ladies of Baltimore appreciate good quality and aren’t afraid of buying pieces that aren’t generic. Charm city girls love to express good style and taste in their clothing and will step outside the box in fashion.  Vintage clothing is the perfect way to do that.”

Check out Bmore BETTY located at 1316 Light Street #1, Baltimore, Maryland.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/BmoreBetty

Twitter: https://twitter.com/Bmore_Betty

“All of our items are dry-cleaned and upon first entry, it’s hard to tell that Posh Retro is a previously loved clothing store,” Ivey said.  Walking into Posh Retro is walking into a boutique that represents the Posh Brand.  We are not focused on just selling items, but more on creating an experience for our clients.”

Aside from creating an unforgettable experience for her clients, the Posh Retro boutique owner focuses on giving back and building relationships with other vintage lovers.  

“10 percent to 20 percent [of our sales] goes to local non-profit, Mission: Launch,” Ivey said. Clients can also schedule shopping parties for their friends. This helps create an environment that is conducive to building community.”

Like many brick and mortar business owners, Ivey uses social media to expand the Posh Retro’s presence.

“I am currently using PoshMark, which I love,” Ivey said. I have an app for it and can post pictures anywhere I am.  The company sends me the shipping labels and deposits the money into my account from my sales.  I love this site and recommend it to anyone, store owner or not.  I also like that it has the name Posh in it.”

Posh Retro is a vintage boutique that uses their profits to help to outfit men and women for interviews and help people to contribute to society.

“Vintage is the only clothing that has had 20 owners and still lasts,” Ivey said.  Vintage clothing is unique and well built. Baltimore processes the same characteristics.  Baltimore is an old city, but it is unlike any other. “

Check out Posh Retro located at 1003 Light Street, Baltimore, Maryland.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Posh-Retro/120790596529

Twitter: https://twitter.com/PoshRetro

Each unit in this building is a three-bedroom apartment with hardwood floors and was just painted last year. Each unit has a dishwasher, as well.

This is a great location if you’re looking to live in a fun, exciting part of the city.

Sorry, no parking.

Check back regularly as we may have more units in this building coming available.

Call Dave 401.757.0263
Email DaveNielsonHomes@gmail.com

Units are available June 1st but they will go quickly so call today!

Call Dave at 401-757-0263
Email DaveNielsonHomes@gmail.com

Call Dave 401.757.0263
Email DaveNielsonHomes@gmail.com

The apartment features on large full bathroom, stainless steel appliances, an open layout and plenty of parking. This unit is in tip-top shape, so call today!

Call today for updates on availability.

Call Dave at 401-757-0263
Email Dave@RentProvRealty.com.

The apartment is on the second floor and is carpeted throughout. The bedrooms are small but there is decent closet space. The kitchen has a separate pantry off to the side allowing for some additional space. This unit is in great shape and is ready to go immediately!

Sorry, no parking, no laundry, no pets

Call Dave 401.757.0263
Email DaveNielsonHomes@gmail.com

Adorable.

Love the cobble stone streets of Fell’s Point.

Their favorite pub. :)

The truck felt the need to zip in front of me, avoiding me by a fraction of a micron, though there was not another car on the road, then proceeded to slow down to a half a mile an hour, take both lanes, and navigate a ninety-degree turn in just under fifteen minutes, sans blinker.

“Rhode Island drivers,”  I exclaimed, nodding my head.  Actually, I didn’t say that at all, and that wasn’t the gesture I made–I made the real one in my mind because I think such gestures, though deserved, lack class and dignity. But I did say the word out loud.

Rhode Island has such a unique little culture–once called Rogue Island by the other 12 colonies, it was so difficult in all matters of trade, intercourse, and politics, that Connecticut threatened to invade it and wipe it off the map.

Perhaps you find yourself in Rhode Island currently. You might be attending one of our excellent colleges like Brown, RISD, Bryant, Providence College, URI, Roger Williams, Johnson & Wales or RIC. Perhaps you are stationed in Newport at the Navy base. Maybe you’re thinking of moving your business here. I have a friend from Brooklyn who came to Rhode Island just because, and appears to be stuck forever.

So, in case you are driving through, not realizing Rhode Island is a bona fide state, and you get a flat tire, I’m here to help you consider the possibility of spending even more time in the Ocean State.  You can develop an appreciation for the “biggest little state in the union” and its culture while you are waiting for AAA. You know you want to live here forever. Here are some reasons to stay:

It’s cheap. Compared to Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts, you can afford a lot. A house that’s a half a million dollars in Massachusetts is sure to be a couple hundred thousand here. Many people commute to Boston from Northern Rhode Island as a result. We even have connections to the Boston commuter rail (the “T”), an Amtrack to New York, and a real honest-to-goodness airport where you will only be delayed sometimes, and when you are, there’ll be plenty of Dunkin Donuts coffee.

We have great food.   Federal Hill has some of the best restaurants in the country. I’m partial to little establishments tucked away in remote neighborhoods, but don’t be mistaken–we also have a list of heavy-hitters a mile long in the five-star department.  It’s just that, well, not many five-star chefs enjoy sharing their art with five-year olds who only eat noodles with butter, so I don’t get to these often. Guy Fieri has recognized the Rhode Island culinary scene–he’s been here twice!

In addition to restaurants, we have farmer’s markets, like the summertime market at Casey Farms in South County, which is more like an event than a market, showcasing food, music, and artisan crafts. South County is really Washington County but no one knows that–it got nicknamed “South County” because it’s–well, south of the other two counties, and it’s easier to spell on a form than “Washington.” Casey Farms has been active since 1750.  It now has a community supported agriculture program in addition to the farmer’s market.

There is a wintertime farmer’s market in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, in what is called the Hope Artiste Village.  ”Hope” is a motto of Rhode Island, as in “I hope I can find my way out of this place,” “I hope I can understand you people,” and “I hope I don’t lose a tire to a pothole.”

The Artiste village is really inspirational, though. This is an old mill converted into loft and artist space, where you will find everything from artisans and businesses to the New Harvest Coffee Roasters.  Just follow the hippies and sustainability people (you spot them easily because they carry their own canvas bags) and Brown students (you recognize them because the expression on their faces is a unique combination of pride at their intelligence mixed with sadness since they are about to spend the rest of their life paying student loans). It’s every Saturday morning. Incidentally, I used to live a few blocks up the street, but when I lived there, there were no hippies and Brown students, just people trying to steal my car.  Ironic twist of fate–the cool stuff comes when I leave.

You’ll save on gas.  This is because the state is only three feet wide by four feet long.  Local Rhode Islanders don’t see it this way, so you’ll have a decided advantage when immigrating. You’ll say, “Wow, I can get there in a half-hour.”  Driving a half hour or crossing one of the state’s three main bridges will cause a Rhode Islander to pack an overnight bag–no joke.  ”Mainlanders” going over to Newport, a drive of twenty to forty minutes depending on the point of origin, often incur hotel fees, but if you come from any other state, you’ll jump up and down for joy at how little time it takes to get anywhere and how silly-short your commute will be.

Believe it or not, despite the size of Rhode Island, there are many drivers in this state that do not use highways, and prefer only to enjoy the scenic back roads. This gives you more space to cruise down 95 from pothole to frost heave, making your commute even shorter.  Beware, though–Rhode Island and Massachusetts have a long-standing feud from on who has the worst drivers. Blinkers are optional but middle fingers mandatory. If you have a good imagination, you can pretend you’re participating in one of those NASCAR adventure excursions without paying a dime. Be safe!

You won’t have to watch mobster movies anymore.  They say that Rhode Island corners the market on two things–mobstas and lobstas.  Both are true. If you’ve been watching too much reality TV or an excess of Godfather reruns, you’ll save time with your move to Little Rhody. Turn off your Goodfellas and Jersey Shore. Read a few days of the Providence Journal and your craving for these things will be satisfied.

You can visit all the important places from “Family Guy.” Although it might look like a cartoon, it’s real. The Big Blue Bug exists. I lived two miles from the Quahog Convenience Store. For real.

It’s easy to make friends here. You won’t have to memorize many names. If you forget one, you can call everyone “my friend.” All male names have only two conjugations–the “ie” conjugation “Vinnie, Joey, Ralphie, Nicky… ” and the slightly less common “o” conjugation “Dino, Rocco, Bruno, Vito.” This makes it very easy to bond quickly and remember everyone, which is important if you want people to like you.

If you do move to Rhode Island, however, the first thing you’ll want to do is get an accent coach. He can double as a translator for learning words like “kah,” and “bubbla” or when you are puzzled to discover a “cabinet” isn’t something that stores dishes, it’s something you drink. This is costly but essential to your successful integration to the state because Rosetta Stone’s Rhode Island course won’t be ready until 2014.

All in all, Rhode Island is a great place. There are a million things to do–hike the woods, go to the ocean for clams, eat the best food in the nation, pretend you’re in Venice, drop a couple hundred grand on a prestigious institution of higher learning, or pretend to be a mobsta. Prices are cheap, the economy is rebounding, commutes are short, and in a week or two, with hard work and a friendly attitude, you can meet most of its citizens.

If you get a chance, come visit. If you get lucky, stay!

[That is my public service announcement for Rhode Island, the only state smaller than Connecticut.  For more great info, visit my Learnist board "About Rhode Island"]

Looking back on this past year really excites us for what’s in store for 2013. Currently in the works are local chef interviews, adding new writers to the staff and rolling out a revamped site with much easier search options. There’s also going to be a ton of restaurant reviews and news on upcoming events as well.

Since everyone else on the internet is participating in these end of year lists, we thought it would be fun to reflect back and pick out our FAVORITE dishes of the year. We divided them into categories and picked out the best of the best. In case you missed any of our original reviews, just click on the links.

BEST BREAKFAST

• Nick’s Pick: Nick’s on Broadway -Providence, RI
• Chris’ Pick: Nick’s on Broadway -Providence, RI
  

BEST APPETIZER

• Nick’s Pick: “Arancini” (saffron infused rice balls stuffed with mozzarella, peas, and bolognese sauce) at Amici’s -Providence, RI
• Chris’ Pick: Naan Bread at Kabob & Curry -Providence, RI

BEST CHEAP EAT

• Nick’s Pick: Rocco’s Pub and Grub -Smithfield, RI
• Chris’ Pick: Nice Slice -Providence, RI
  

BEST DESSERT

• Nick’s Pick: Butternut Squash Financier with Hazelnut Ganache, Nutella Powder, and White Chocolate Tuille at Tallulah on Thames -Newport, RI
• Chris’ Pick: Chocolate Peanut-Butter “Kit-Kat” Bars at Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse Mohegan Sun -Uncasville, CT

BEST SEAFOOD DISH

• Nick’s Pick: Striped Bass with Lobster Tail, Wild Rice, and Blood Orange Beurre Blanc at 22 Bowens -Newport, RI
• Chris’ Pick: Fried Whole Belly Clam Roll at Flo’s Clam Shack -Middletown, RI

BEST MEAL WHILE TRAVELING

• Nick’s Pick: Voodoo Doughnuts -Portland, OR
• Chris’ Pick: House of Nanking -San Francisco, CA
  

BEST SANDWICH

• Nick’s Pick: Cheesemonger’s Grilled Cheese at La Laiterie at Farmstead -Providence, RI
• Chris’ Pick: Chipotle Pastrami Sandwich at Sam LaGrassa’s -Boston, MA

MOST UNIQUE DISH:

• Nick’s Pick: Strawberry Honey Balsamic Vinegar Ice Cream with Crackled Black Pepper at Salt & Straw -Portland, OR
• Chris’ Pick: Rhubarb Upside Down Cake at Rocket Street Food -Providence, RI

BEST OVERALL MEAL / DINING EXPERIENCE

• Nick’s Pick: Gracie’s -Providence, RI
• Chris’ Pick: Cav Restaurant -Providence, RI